Felipe Melo extends Fiorentina stay to end Arsenal interest

Felipe Melo has moved to end speculation about his future by signing a one-yearcontract extension at Fiorentina.

The 25-year-old Brazil international had been strongly linked with Arsenal, butis now tied to the Tuscan club until June 2013.

'Fiorentina announces that its sporting director Pantaleo Corvino met in Milanwith Felipe Melo's agent and an agreement was reached to extend the player'scontract until 2013 with a buy-out clause also included,' read a statement fromthe club.

No go: Melo (R) has moved to end recent speculation and commit to Fiorentina

Melo joined the Viola last summer from Spanish side Almeria in a transfer dealworth 8million euros.

He made 29 league starts for Fiorentina last season and his performancesattracted the attentions of the likes of Arsenal and Inter Milan.